UNIT 4 - FUNCTIONS

            Unit 4 is about functions. It mainly focuses on why we communicate. As all of us know if we communicate by speaking or writing is always for a reason. Therefore, functions are a way of describing how we use language, as well as an exponent is the language we use to express a function, it can express different functions at the same time. "A language function refers to the purpose for which speech or writing is being used. In speech these include: giving instructions, introducing ourselves, making requests" Pozzi, D.C. (2004). I would say that it depends on the context it is used in. In addition, when talking about this topic teachers must explain their learners the levels of formality that exist when we communicate taking into account how to use the appropriate language according to the situation, if it is time to use formal or informal language. For example; it is appropriate to say Good morning teacher! and not Hello teacher!. Sometimes that sounds rude and it is not the correct way to greet teachers it is a really informal language. Furthermore, most of people usually choose to use the level of formality that suits a situation, this is called appropriacy, but I don't agree with that because I consider that people especially students should use formal or informal language at the correct moment and not just when they want. Also, we should realize that language that reflects the situation in which it is used is often referred to as register. As a conclusion, I will apply functions in the classroom through the Communicative Approach because I consider it is a good method that is going to help students according to their communicative necessities. As functions involve everything when communicating, I will encourage my students to talk as much as they can by making debates or role plays inside the classroom.  

I found some interesting information about this topic and I would like to share this with you.

http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/standards/elp/files/langfunc.pdf

http://treasures.macmillanmh.com/assets/extras/0001/0367/Forms_and_Functions_FINAL.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ1ME4snl7I

References:
- Pozzi, D.C. (2004). Forms and functions in language: Morphology, syntax. Retrieved March 10, 2005, from University of Houston, College of Education Web site: http://www.viking.coe.uh.edu/grn11.intr/intr.0.1.2.htm

- Spratt, M., Pulverness, A., & Williams, M. (2011). The TKT course. Ernst Klett Sprachen.